Nainital

Town in Uttarakhand, India

This article is about the municipality in Uttarakhand, India. For its namesake district, see Nainital district.

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Capital and judicial capital in Uttarakhand, India

Nainital

Capital and judicial capital

Clockwise from top:
Nainital, UK from cheena peak route, Kumaoni boatmen on Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Raj Bhavan and Church of St. John in the Wilderness

Nickname:

Jewel of Kumaon[1]

Nainital

Location in Uttarakhand, India

Show map of Uttarakhand

Nainital

Nainital (India)

Show map of India

Coordinates: 29°23′31″N 79°27′15″E﻿ / ﻿29.39194°N 79.45417°E﻿ / 29.39194; 79.45417
Country|  India
State| Uttarakhand
Division| Kumaon
District| Nainital
Named for| Naini Lake
Government

• Type| Municipal Council
• Body| Nainital Municipal Council
Area

[2]

• Total| 11.73 km2 (4.53 sq mi)
Elevation

| 2,084 m (6,837 ft)
Population

(2011)

• Total| 41,377
• Density| 3,500/km2 (9,100/sq mi)
Demonym| Nainitalites (English) Naintalwal (Kumaoni)
Languages

• Official| Hindi[3]
• Additional official| Sanskrit[4][5]
• Regional| Kumaoni[6]
Time zone| UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN|

263001/263002

Telephone code| +91 - 5942
Vehicle registration| UK-04
Website| nainital.nic.in

Nainital (Kumaoni: Naintāl; pronounced [nɛnːtaːl]) is a town and headquarters of Nainital district of Kumaon division, Uttarakhand, India. It is the judicial capital of Uttarakhand, the High Court of the state being located there and is the headquarters of an eponymous district. It also houses the Governor of Uttarakhand,[7] who resides in the Raj Bhavan. Nainital was the summer capital[8] of the United Provinces.

Nainital is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas at a distance of 276 km (171 mi) from the state capital Dehradun and 314 km (195 mi) from New Delhi, the capital of India. Situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres (6,358 ft) above sea level, the town is set in a valley containing an eye-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina Peak (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bound by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas."[9] The hill station attracts tourists round the year.

## Etymology and mythology

[edit]

It is believed that the Naini Lake is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, based on the story of the death of the goddess Sati. Out of grief and sorrow, Shiva carried Sati's body, reminiscing about their moments as a couple, and roamed around the universe with it. Vishnu had cut her body into 52 body parts, using his Sudarshana Chakra, which fell on Earth to become sacred sites where all the people can pay homage to the Goddess. The spot where Sati's right eye (or Nain) fell, came to be called Nain-tal or lake of the eye. The goddess Shakti is worshiped at the Naina Devi Temple, known by locals as Naini Mata Temple on the north shore of the present day lake.[10]

## History

[edit]

### Early history

[edit]

Nainital has historically been a part of the Kumaon region. After the fall of Katyuri Dynasty in 10th century, Kumaon was divided into several small princely states, and the region around Nainital was under various branches of a Khasiya family.[11] The first dynasty to achieve consolidated dominance over Kumaon after the Katyuris was the Chand dynasty, but it took many centuries and Nainital and its surroundings were one of the last areas to be absorbed.[12] Trilok Chand had built a fort at Bhimtal in the thirteenth century,[13] But at that time, Nainital itself was not under the Chand rule, and was situated near the western border of the Kingdom. During the reign of Udyan Chand, the western boundary of the Chand kingdom extended to the Koshi and Suyal rivers, but Ramgarh and Kota were still under the former Khasia rule. Kirat Chand, who ruled from 1488 to 1503 was finally able to establish authority over Nainital and the surrounding region. The Khasia chiefs made an attempt to regain their independence in 1560, when they enjoyed a brief moment of success under the leadership of a Khasiya of Ramgarh, but were later subdued with ruthlessness by Balo Kalyan Chand.[12]

### Founding and the landslip of 1880

[edit]

The Kumaon Hills came under British rule after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16). The hill station town of Naini Tal was founded only in 1841, with the construction of the first European house (Pilgrim Lodge) by P. Barron, a sugar trader from Shahjahanpur. In his memoir, he wrote: "It is by far the best site I have witnessed in the course of a 1,500 miles (2,400 km) trek in the Himalayas."[14] In 1846, when a Captain Madden of the Bengal Artillery visited Naini Tal, he recorded that "houses were rapidly springing up in most parts of the settlement: some towards the crest of the military ranges were nearly 7,500 ft (2,300 m) above sea level: the rugged and woody Anyarpatta Aashish (Anyar-patt – in Kumaoni means – complete blackout. The reason for this nomenclature by the locals was because there were minimal sun rays due to its location and dense forests) was being gradually planted and that the favourite sites were on the undulating tract of forest land which stretched back from the head of the lake to the base of China and Deopatta (Camel's Hump). The church, St. John(1846) in the Wilderness, was one of the earliest buildings in Nainital, followed by Belvedere, Alma lodge, Ashdale Cottage(1860)..."[15] Soon, the town became a health resort favoured by British soldiers and by colonial officials and their families trying to escape the heat of the plains. Later, the town became the summer residence of the governor of the United Provinces.

1875

1882

A general view of the north end of Naini Tal before and after the landslip of 1882.

On 18 September 1880 a landslide ('the landslip of 1880') occurred at the north end of the town, burying 151 people. The first known landslide had occurred in 1866(old Victoria hotel was destroyed), and in 1869 there was a larger one at the same spot, Alma Hill, but "the great slip" occurred on "Saturday 18 September 1880."[15]

"During Friday(17th) and Saturday(18th), 33 inches of rain fell, of which 20 inches (510 mm) to 25 in (640 mm) fell during the 40 hours preceding Saturday evening, and the downpour still lasted and continued till the evening of the next day. This heavy fall made the whole hillside one mass of semi-fluid matter, and required little to set in motion. The motive power was a shock of a minor earthquake, which was felt on that day itself by competent observers in the Bhabar below and Nainital itself. On the site of the Slip was the Victoria Hotel and its offices, and below it was the Hindu temple of "naina devi" and the Assembly Rooms, both by the side of the lake, and Bell's shop, which was close to the temple. Initial slip started around 10 am of 18 September, taking away western wing of the Victoria Hotel and portion of the hotel's out-houses. Tragically, most of the people were not moved much further away from the spot of the morning slip. At quarter to two the major landslip occurred and within few seconds all the buildings mentioned above were destroyed and made into an unrecognisable heap of rubble and much of it was swept into the lake."[15][16]

The number of dead and missing were 108 Indian and 43 Europeans, along with numerous people who narrowly escaped. (See poem by Hannah Battersby on the page Literary references to Nainital.) The Assembly Rooms and the Naina Devi Temple were destroyed in the disaster. A recreation area known as 'The Flats' was later built on the site and a new temple was erected. To prevent further disasters, storm water drains were constructed and building bylaws were made stricter.

A mass stabbing occurred at a wedding in Nainital in 1950 that left 22 people dead.[17][18][19][20]

## Geography

[edit]

### Topography

[edit]

The town of Nainital covers a total area of 11.73 km2 (4.53 sq mi), and is located at 29°23′N 79°27′E﻿ / ﻿29.38°N 79.45°E﻿ / 29.38; 79.45,[21] at an average elevation of 2,084 metres (6,837 ft) above sea level. The slopes of the nearby mountains are most populated, with an altitude ranging from 1,940–2,100 m (6,360–6,890 ft). The highest point nearby is the Naina Peak, with a height of 2,619 m (8,593 ft). The town is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas at a distance of 285 km (177 mi) from the state capital Dehradun and 345 km (214 mi) from New Delhi, the capital of India.

Scenic view of the Nainital from Tallital, the lower end of the lake.

The town is set in a valley around the Nainital Lake \- an eye-shaped lake, which is located at an altitude of 1,940 m (6,350 ft) from sea level. The lake is 1,433 m (1,567 yd) long and 463 m (506 yd) wide, and is approximately two miles in circumference.[22] The bed of the lake is at a depth of 85 m (93 yd) near Pashandevi, the deepest point of the lake. The lake is deduced to have been formed tectonically. Balia Nala, which is the main stream feeding the lake is along a fault line and the subsequent streams align parallel to major joints and faults. 26 major drains feed the lake including the 3 perennial drains.

Nainital is surrounded by the mountains of Ayarpata (2,344 m (7,689 ft)), Devpata (2,435 m (7,989 ft)), Handibandi (2,180 m (7,153 ft)), Chini, (2,612 m (8,568 ft)), Alma (2,430 m (7,980 ft)), Lariya Kanta (2,482 m (8,144 ft)) and Sher ka Danda (2,398 m (7,869 ft)).[22]

### Geology

[edit]

The Krol group of rocks, comprising slates, marls, sandstones, limestones and dolomites with a few small dykes intrusives, is the dominant geological formation of Nainital's surroundings, although, Nodules, laminae and stringers of phosphatic material, followed upward by the purple-green shales intercalated with muddy fine-grained sandstone and siltstone; recognised as the Tal Formation; are also prevalent. The region has a complex geological framework; the rocks are fragile and newly formed. The town is completely located in the catchment area of the Nainital lake, which has highly folded and faulted rocks due to polyphase deformation.

Landslides are a frequent occurrence in the hill slopes surrounding the lake, which are steep. The slopes are highly vulnerable to landslides and mass movement due to various geological and human factors. The first known landslip occurred in Nainital in 1866 on Alma hill, and in 1879 there was a larger one at the same spot. The greatest landslide in Nainital occurred on 18 September 1880, on the slope which rising from the north of the flats ends at Alma peak, and resulted in 151 people being buried under the debris.[23] Another heavy landslip occurred on 17 August 1898 outside the Nainital valley.[24]

Forest in Nainital after snowfall (2020)

### Climate

[edit]

Nainital experiences a subtropical highland climate (Cwb) according to Köppen–Geiger climate classification system as the town's climate is influenced by the elevation. The town is a bit dry during winter and very wet during summer due to South Asian monsoon system. The lowest precipitation total occurs in November with total 7.9 millimetres (0.31 in), while the highest precipitation total occurs in July with total 725 millimetres (28.5 in). Like most places in temperate region, Nainital has a relatively cool summer. The hottest month is July with temperature ranging from 16.4 °C (61.5 °F) to 23.5 °C (74.3 °F), while the coldest month is January with temperature ranging from 1.7 °C (35.1 °F) to 10.7 °C (51.3 °F). The highest temperature ever recorded in Nainital was 30 °C (86 °F) recorded on 18 June 1972, while the lowest temperature was −5.6 °C (21.9 °F) recorded on 17 January 1953.[25]

The winter season in Nainital commences by mid-November and lasts till mid-March. The temperature gradually declines from the month of November onwards and January is the coldest month. Frost and mist are common features in the months of December and January. Occasionally widespread rainfall also occurs due to western disturbance, with snow occurring on peaks higher than 2000m. The winter rainfall is sometimes associated with cyclonic activities. The temperature, however, shows an increasing trend by the end of February or the first half of March. By mid-March, there is a progressive rise in temperature, which indicates the onset of the summer season. While days get slightly warmer; the nights continue to be cool. There is a constant increase in temperature during May and early June when the highest temperature is recorded. The months of March and April are also associated with the occurrence of hailstorms, which brings a short spell of cold.

The onset of the summer in the hills is relatively earlier than the plains and is also very lengthy and humid. The mean temperature in July and August goes down and humidity rises abruptly during this season. The monsoon usually begins by mid-May when the rain strikes and continue until mid-October. Nainital, due to its proximity to the outermost high ranges of the Himalaya, receives high annual rainfall. Generally, by mid-September, the monsoon gets weakened and rain occurs generally after long intervals. With the retreat of the monsoon, the winds blow in a reverse direction. The weather during the post-monsoon months is characterised by bright skies. It is in fact a transition between the rains and the winters and with reduced rainfall, the monthly temperature records a progressive decline till mid-January.

Climate data for Nainital (1961–1979, extremes 1953–1979)

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °C (°F)  | 18.4
(65.1)  | 21.7
(71.1)  | 24.6
(76.3)  | 28.0
(82.4)  | 29.6
(85.3)  | 30.0
(86.0)  | 26.1
(79.0)  | 26.6
(79.9)  | 24.6
(76.3)  | 24.8
(76.6)  | 21.4
(70.5)  | 21.8
(71.2)  | 30.0
(86.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)  | 10.9
(51.6)  | 11.9
(53.4)  | 16.1
(61.0)  | 20.7
(69.3)  | 23.2
(73.8)  | 23.4
(74.1)  | 21.7
(71.1)  | 21.0
(69.8)  | 20.5
(68.9)  | 18.8
(65.8)  | 15.3
(59.5)  | 12.8
(55.0)  | 18.0
(64.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)  | 1.7
(35.1)  | 3.3
(37.9)  | 7.3
(45.1)  | 11.8
(53.2)  | 14.3
(57.7)  | 16.2
(61.2)  | 16.3
(61.3)  | 16.0
(60.8)  | 13.7
(56.7)  | 9.7
(49.5)  | 5.8
(42.4)  | 2.9
(37.2)  | 9.9
(49.8)
Record low °C (°F)  | −5.6
(21.9)  | −4.3
(24.3)  | −3.0
(26.6)  | 0.0
(32.0)  | 5.0
(41.0)  | 10.0
(50.0)  | 10.4
(50.7)  | 9.6
(49.3)  | 4.4
(39.9)  | 0.5
(32.9)  | −1.1
(30.0)  | −4.4
(24.1)  | −5.6
(21.9)
Average rainfall mm (inches)  | 82.4
(3.24)  | 66.1
(2.60)  | 57.1
(2.25)  | 33.8
(1.33)  | 72.4
(2.85)  | 339.1
(13.35)  | 685.4
(26.98)  | 556.4
(21.91)  | 346.3
(13.63)  | 54.7
(2.15)  | 7.7
(0.30)  | 23.9
(0.94)  | 2,305.3
(90.76)
Average rainy days  | 3.5  | 3.9  | 3.5  | 2.8  | 4.7  | 12.8  | 20.4  | 19.8  | 11.1  | 2.8  | 0.5  | 1.4  | 87.2
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) | 65  | 60  | 53  | 49  | 48  | 66  | 82  | 84  | 79  | 65  | 62  | 59  | 64
Source: India Meteorological Department[26][25]

### Flora and fauna

[edit]

The areas around Nainital (in the middle Himalayan ranges up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft), a temperate zone), is rich in flora (typical temperate climate plants) and fauna.[27] The trees and bushes grown in the region (lake's basin) with their botanical and common Indian names (in parentheses) are : Quercus leucotrichophora Oak (Banj), Aesculus indica (Pangar or Horse chestnuts), Juglans regia (Akhrot or walnut), Populus ciliata (Hill Pipal, a sacred tree), Fraxinus micrantha (Ash tree or Angu), Platanus orientalis (Chinar), Rubus lasiocarpus (Hisalu), Rosa moschata (Kunj or Musk rose), Berberis asiatica (Kilmora), Cupressus torulosa (Surai or Himalayan cypress), Rhododendron arboreum (Buruns), Cedrus deodara (Deodar), Salix acmophylla (Weeping Willow), and Pinus (Pine).[27]

Several species of medicinal flora and horticulture plants have also been found in the lake. The Aquatic Macrophytic vegetation include Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton crispus, Polygonum glabrum, Polygonum amphibium and Polygonum hydropiper (Water pepper).[27] The fishes found in the lake are generally carps Mahseer, and the mirror carp which breed several times during one spawning season during May to September. Two species of Mahaseer fish viz., Tor tor: The red finned mahseer and the Tor putitora: The yellow finned mahseer, a food fish which grows to varying sizes from 20 to 60 cm (7.87 to 23.62 inches) are found. Three species of Hill Trout are found in the lake: the Schizothorax sinuatus, Schizothorax richardsoni and Schizothorax plagiostornus. The imported fish bred in the lake is Mirror carp or Cyprinus carpio.[27] Gambusia affinis also called Mosquitofish has been introduced in the lake as a biocontrol measure to control Mosquito larvae.[27]

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical populationYear| Pop.| ±%

|
|

1881 | 6,576| —
1891 | 8,455| +28.6%
1901 | 7,609| −10.0%
1911 | 10,270| +35.0%
1921 | 11,230| +9.3%
1931 | 9,741| −13.3%
1941 | 9,539| −2.1%
1951 | 12,350| +29.5%
1961 | 14,495| +17.4%
1971 | 23,986| +65.5%
1981 | 24,835| +3.5%
1991 | 29,837| +20.1%
2001 | 38,630| +29.5%
2011 | 41,377| +7.1%
Source:

*     * 1881: The Imperial Gazetteer of India[28]: 82
* 1901–2011: District Census Handbook: Nainital[2]: 509–510

A native boatman on the Naini Lake.

As of the 2011 Indian census, Nainital had a population of 41,377.[29] Males constitute 52.3% of the population and females 47.7%, which gives the town a sex ratio of 911 women per every 1000 men, which is less than the Uttarakhand state average of 963 women per every 1000 men. The population density was 3527.45 people per square km.[2] There were 9,329 housing units in the town at an average density of 795.31 households per square km.[2] 9.54% of the population is under 6 years of age. In 2011, Nainital had an average literacy rate of 92.93%, higher than the Uttarakhand state average of 78.82% - around 96.09% males and 89.47% females in the town are literate.[29]

A special Census taken in September 1880, at the height of the tourism season, returned a total population of 10,054 for the town.[28] However, the official Census in February 1881 returned the population, then at its lowest, at 6,576. The population slightly rose in the following decade, rising to 8,455 in 1891. After dropping to 7,609 in 1901, it remained steady in the coming two decades; 10,270 in 1911 and 11,230 in 1921. The population took another drop, when the 1931 and 1941 censuses returned a population of 9,741 and 9,539 respectively, but has seen a continuous rise since then, with subsequent census reports returning a population of 12350 in 1951, 14495 in 1961, 23986 in 1971, 24835 in 1981, 29837 in 1991, 38630 in 2001, and 41377 in 2011.

Religions in Nainital Town (2011)[29]

Religion |  | Percent
Hindus |

| 85.61%
Muslims |

| 11.91%
Sikh |

| 0.75%
Christian |

| 0.92%
Others† |

| 0.8%

Hinduism is the largest religion in Nainital, with 85.61% of residents identifying as Hindus in the 2011 Census. The town's religious profile is highly diverse, Nainital has a significant number of people from Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities. Islam is second most popular religion in town of Nainital with approximately 11.91% following it. Christianity is followed by 0.92%, Jainism by 0.01%, Sikhism by 0.75% and Buddhism by 0.77%. Approximately 0.02% of the population were either atheists or followed 'no particular religion'. Nainital in 1880 had a population of 10,054, which consisted of 6,862 Hindus, 1,748 Muslims, 1,348 Europeans, 34 Eurasians, 57 Native Christians and 5 'others'.[28] Kumaonis form the major part of the town's population along with people from all over India. A person from Nainital is called Naintālwāl in Kumaoni. Wāl is the Kumaoni term for resident.

### Languages

[edit]

Hindi is the official language,[3] while Sanskrit is the additional official language of the town.[4][5] Kumaoni is the native language and is the most spoken language in the town.[6] Hindi and English also serve as lingua franca between locals and tourists/outsiders.

## Government and politics

[edit]

### Civic Administration

[edit]

The municipal board of Nainital had its origin in 1845, when the provisions of the Act I of 1842 were sanctioned by the government in the town, which then applied to approximately two thirds of the total population.[30]: 90

### Politics

[edit]

Nainital town is represented in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, by a representative elected from the Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar Constituency. Ajay Bhatt (politician), from BJP, is the current Member of Parliament from Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar.[31] He won the 2019 Indian general elections by 3,39,096 votes against Harish Rawat from the Congress, who was also the former chief minister of the state.[32] Prior to the delimitation of the Loksabha Constituencies of Uttarakhand in 2008, the town was a part of the Nainital Lok Sabha constituency.[33] Generally considered a Congress Stronghold, the Congress has registered a victory from Nainital eight times since 1951.[34] While the BJP has won this seat three times, several other political parties have also managed three victories.

## Tourism

[edit]

Tourist arrival in Nainital[35] Year | International | Domestic | Total

|
|
|

2012  | 8,254 | 898,077 | 906,331
2013  | 7,088 | 737,130 | 744,218
2014  | 7,622 | 750,501 | 758,123
2015  | 6,902 | 808,903 | 815,805
2016  | 7,231 | 866,164 | 873,395
2017  | 8,329 | 910,323 | 918,652
2018  | 9,341 | 924,316 | 933,657

A popular hill station, Nainital has numerous tourist spots including Nainital Lake, Naina Peak 8622ft, The Selva Valley, Hanumangarhi and G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo. Nainital is Kumaon's most well known hill station, and its premier tourist destination

### Nainital Zoo

[edit]

The Nainital zoo located on Tallital, Sher Ka Danda Hill at height of 2,100m or 6900 ft above sea level. The zoo was officially named as G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo.[36][37]

### Nainital Yacht Club

[edit]

Yachts on the lake

The Nainital Yacht Club, situated along the lake, is run by the Boat House Club. It is the highest yacht club in India and among the highest clubs in the world. It was founded in 1910 by the British and, till 1970, was only open to members. Today, tourists can pay for a sailing session on the yachts.

### Jama Masjid

[edit]

A view of Jama Masjid Mosque, Nainital

The Jama Masjid of Nainital is located in Mallital area of Nainital is a mosque which was built in 1882 during the British Era for Muslims around Nainital. Over the main entrance one can see Arabic inscriptions. The most notable feature is the mihrab where a niche shows the direction towards Mecca.[38]

### Naina Devi Temple

[edit]

A view of the Maa Naina Devi Temple, Mallital, Nainital, Kumaon, India

Temple of Naina Devi is located at the upper end of Naini lake. This temple is dedicated to the goddess of the town Naina Devi. Its complex becomes the location of the Nanda Devi Mela festival which held every year on Nandashtami during September.[39]

### St John Wilderness Church

[edit]

A view of St John in the Wilderness Church, Sukhatal, Mallital, Nainital, Kumaon.

St. John in the Wilderness is one of the oldest and finest churches in Nainital. The Church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. This Anglican Church was built in 1846 and is one of the earliest buildings erected in Nainital.[40]

### The Mall Road

[edit]

The Mall Road is a shopping area in Nainital. It has many shops, restaurants and road side sellers.[41]

### Eco Cave Gardens

[edit]

Eco Cave Gardens is a cluster of naturally formed rocky caves. It is close to the Mall Road. It has 6 caves formed in the shape of animals. Tourists can visit the caves from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. every day of the week.[42]

### Naina Peak

[edit]

Naina Peak is a sightseeing place situated at an altitude of 2611 meters. It gives a view of the Himalayas range and a birdseye view of Nainital.[43]

### Libraries

[edit]

A view of Durga Lal Shah Municipal Public Library, Nainital, Kumaon, India

There are a number of libraries in the Nainital area. Among them are the Durga Lal Shah Municipal Public Library on the Mall, founded in 1934,[44] the Uttarakhand Academy of Administration, Library and Documentation Center, Mallital,[45] the ARIES Observatory Library,[46] and the Kumaon University Library, Nainital.[47]

## Transport

[edit]

### Roadways

[edit]

The old roadways bus station is located at Tallital in front of the Naini Lake.

Nainital can be reached by the National Highway 109 (previously National Highway 87) from Haldwani,[48] 40 km (25 mi) away, or by State Highway 13 from Bajpur,[49] 60 km (37 mi) away.

### Airways

[edit]

The nearest airport is in Pantnagar near Rudrapur, about 71 km (44 mi) from Nainital.[50] Alliance Air, Air Heritage and Deccan Charters are the three carriers, that connect the airport to Delhi, Dehradun and Pithoragarh.[51][52][53]

### Railways

[edit]

The closest major railway station is Kathgodam, on the outskirts of Haldwani, which is connected with almost all major cities of the country.[54]

## Education

[edit]

St. Joseph's College, Nainital from Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)

In the latter half of the 19th century a number of "European" schools for boys and girls were founded in Nainital. During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, students in these schools consisted largely of children of the British colonial officials or soldiers. The Diocesan Girls' High School, now known as All Saints' College, was established in 1869, near where the High Court of Uttarakhand stands today. By 1906, there were over half a dozen such schools,[15] including the Diocesan Boys' School (later renamed Sherwood College) and the Philander Smith's college (later renamed Halett War School, currently Birla Vidya Mandir).

St. Joseph's College, Nainital (popularly known as SEM), a day-boarding and residential school built by Irish brothers.[55] in 1888, celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2013. Another important school for girls, St. Mary's Convent High School, Nainital (popularly known as Ramnee), was established in 1878, and celebrated its 125th anniversary in year 2003.

## Notable people

[edit]

Main category: People from Nainital

* Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood actor. Educated at Sherwood College.
* Sonam Bajwa, Indian actress.
* Kabir Bedi, Bollywood actor. Educated at Sherwood College.
* Jim Corbett, hunter of man-eating tigers, author, conservationist and namesake of Jim Corbett National Park. Educated at St. Joseph's College and lived in Gurney House.
* Danny Denzongpa, Bollywood actor studied in Birla Vidya Mandir
* Shekhar Pathak, noted historian, editor, travel-writer, and activist
* B K Goyal, cardiologist, educated at Birla Vidya Mandir[citation needed]
* Percy Hobart, British major general and military engineer
* Elsie Inglis, physician and social reformer
* Hastings Ismay, 1st Baron Ismay, first secretary general of NATO
* Anup Jalota, singer
* Sukirti Kandpal, TV actress
* Gopal Datt, Indian actor and writer. Graduated from Kumaon University
* Sudhir Kakar, renowned psychoanalyst
* Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Indian Army Chief of Staff during Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Educated at Sherwood College.
* Anku Pande, Film Producer. Educated at St. Mary's Convent High School
* Eric Maturin, British actor
* Lalit Modi, Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman. Educated at St. Joseph's College.
* Rajendra K. Pachauri, chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
* Manish Pandey, cricketer who plays for Karnataka and Bangalore
* Nirmal Pandey, Bollywood actor and singer
* Ram Kapoor, TV actor. Educated at Sherwood College.
* Govind Ballabh Pant, statesman and leader of India's independence movement, first Indian Premier of British India, the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the third Home Minister of India
* Krishna Chandra Pant, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India. Educated at St. Joseph's College.
* Hamida Saiduzzafar, ophthalmologist
* Henry Stephens Salt, considered as the 'father of animal rights'. Born in Nainital.
* Naseeruddin Shah, Bollywood actor. Educated at St. Joseph's College.
* Major Som Nath Sharma, India's first Param Vir Chakra award winner. Educated at Sherwood College.
* Shivani, Hindi poet
* Billy Arjan Singh, Tiger conservationist of India, Educated in Nainital.[56]
* Dalip Tahil, Bollywood actor. Educated at Sherwood College.
* Narayan Dutt Tiwari, Indian leader and politician, former Governor of Andhra Pradesh, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, and former Finance Minister of India.
* Orde Charles Wingate, British general and commander of the Chindits in Burma during World War II

## See also

[edit]

* Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Nainital: The jewel of Kumaon". The Economic Times. 4 April 2010. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
2. ^ a b c d District Census Handbook Nainital Part-A (PDF). Dehradun: Directorate of Census Operations, Uttarakhand.
3. ^ a b "52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India" (PDF). nclm.nic.in. Ministry of Minority Affairs. p. 18\. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
4. ^ a b Trivedi, Anupam (19 January 2010). "Sanskrit is second official language in Uttarakhand". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 1 February 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
5. ^ a b "Sanskrit second official language of Uttarakhand". The Hindu. 21 January 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
6. ^ a b "Kumaoni". Ethnologue. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
7. ^ "Home: Raj Bhavan, Uttarakhand, India". governoruk.gov.in. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
8. ^ "History: History". governoruk.gov.in. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
9. ^ Nainital District, The Imperial Gazetteer of India, volume 18, pp. 322–323. 1908
10. ^ View of Mallital, without the present Naina Devi Temple (1865) British Library.
11. ^ Clay 1927, p. 3 harvnb error: no target: CITEREFClay1927 (help)
12. ^ a b Clay 1927, p. 4 harvnb error: no target: CITEREFClay1927 (help)
13. ^ Nevill 1904, p. 195 harvnb error: no target: CITEREFNevill1904 (help)
14. ^ (Barron 1844)
15. ^ a b c d (Murphy 1906)
16. ^ CLAY, J.M. (2010). NAINITAL: A Historical and Descriptive Account. Talla danda, Tallital, NAINITAL: PAHAR. pp. 17, 18, 19. ISBN 978-81-86246-52-8.
17. ^ "22 guests slain". The Bend Bulletin. 21 April 1950.
18. ^ "22 guests slain as wedding held". The Ogden Standard-Examiner. 21 April 1950.
19. ^ "Drunk Gurkha Kills 22". Los Angeles Times. 22 April 1950. Archived from the original on 13 March 2013.
20. ^ "Murders 22 at wedding". The Huntingdon Daily News. 22 April 1950.
21. ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Nainital. Fallingrain.com.
22. ^ a b Pande 1993, p. 32 harvnb error: no target: CITEREFPande1993 (help)
23. ^ Murphy 1906, p. 37
24. ^ Murphy 1906, p. 42
25. ^ a b "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M227. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
26. ^ "Station: Nainital Climatological Table 1961–1990" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1961–1990. India Meteorological Department. July 2010. pp. 581–582. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 February 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
27. ^ a b c d e "Introduction, Horticulture, Medicinal flora, Animals and Fishes". Archived from the original on 7 April 2008. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
28. ^ a b c Hunter, W. W. (1886). The Imperial Gazetteer of India Volume VIII. London: Trubner & Co.
29. ^ a b c Nainital Population Census 2011.
30. ^ Shah, Giriraja (1999). Nainital: The Land of Trumpet and Song ; Based on J.M. Clay's Book on Nainital. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 978-81-7017-324-3. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
31. ^ "Kumaon Division: Member Of Parliaments". kumaon.gov.in. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
32. ^ Sharma, Nihi (24 May 2019). "Lok Sabha Elections Results 2019: Former CM Harish Rawat loses in Naintal by over 3 lakh votes". Hindustan Times. Dehradun. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
33. ^ "Delimitation of Parliamentary & Assembly Constituencies Order - 2008". Election Commission of India. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
34. ^ Dewan, Umesh (13 April 2009). "Three in fray, but bipolar contest expected: Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar Seat". The Tribune. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
35. ^ "Tourist Statistics from 2000 to 2018 of Major Tourist Destinations" (PDF). Uttarakhand Tourism. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
36. ^ "Nainital Zoo (Timings, Entry Ticket Fee & Images) - Nainital Tourism 2024". nainitaltourism.org.in. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
37. ^ "Nainital zoo gets female markhor from Darjeeling". The Times of India. 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
38. ^ Bedi, Aneesha (16 November 2019). "Jama Masjid, Mecca Masjid — why Twitter is flooded with images of India's stunning mosques". ThePrint. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
39. ^ "Naina Devi Mandir: चमत्‍कारी मानी जाती हैं नैना देवी, मंद‍िर में दर्शन से आंखों के रोग दूर होने की है मान्‍यता". Times Now (in Hindi). 18 September 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
40. ^ "Plan your next vacation to Uttarakhand's picturesque hill town, Nainital". Hindustan Times. 22 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
41. ^ "Mall Road". Nainital. 30 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
42. ^ "Top 19 things to do in Nainital". Zongaroo. 30 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
43. ^ Kohli, M. S. (2002). Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure and Pilgrimage. Indus Publishing. ISBN 978-81-7387-135-1.
44. ^ Singh, Sarina (2005). Lonely Planet: India (Nainital). ISBN 1-74059-694-3. Page 425.
45. ^ The World Bank India: Depository Libraries, 2006.
46. ^ "Astronomical Networking Libraries". Archived from the original on 17 July 2006. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
47. ^ "Kumaon University". Archived from the original on 5 February 2010. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
48. ^ "Landslide spoils festivity, NH-87 blocked". The Times of India. Nainital. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 30 November 2016.
49. ^ "वर्ष 2016-17 में लोक निर्माण विभाग के अंतर्गत राज्य मार्ग की लम्बाई" (PDF). Retrieved 29 January 2020.
50. ^ "A gem in perfect setting". The Tribune. 11 May 2008. Retrieved 29 June 2009.
51. ^ "Alliance Air to start flights on Pantnagar-Dehradun route from Jan 4". The Economic Times. 28 December 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
52. ^ "Comprehensive list of Awarded RCS Routes state wise" (PDF). Airport Authority of India. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
53. ^ "flight schedule of Air Deccan". Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
54. ^ Kishore, B.R. (2008). India : a travel guide. New Delhi: Fusion Books. p. 278\. ISBN 9788128400674. Retrieved 11 January 2017. "NAINITAL; Railway Station : Kathgodam 35 kms"
55. ^ "History". www.stjosephscollege.in. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
56. ^ Davison, Phil. ""Billy" Arjan Singh: Honorary Tiger". sikhchic.com. Retrieved 7 August 2022.

* Barron, Peters (1844). Notes of wanderings in the Himmala ... OCLC 316507322.

## Further reading

[edit]

* Bateman, Josiah (1860), The Life of The Right Rev. Daniel Wilson, D.D., Late Lord Bishop of Calcutta and Metropolitan of India, Volume II, John Murray, Albemarle Street, London.
* Corbett, SAYUJ (2002) [2000], Inter H.G.S – Indian Culture in Daily Life., Oxford India Reprint
* Corbett, Jim (2002) [1948], The Man Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag, Oxford India Reprint
* Corbett, Jim (2002) [1954], The Temple Tigers and More Man-Eaters of Kumaon, Oxford India Reprint
* Fayrer, Joseph (1900), Recollections of my life, William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London
* Imperial Gazetteer of India, Volume 18, pp. 322–323., Oxford University Press, Oxford and London, 1908
* Kennedy, Dane (1996), The Magic Mountains: Hill Stations and the British Raj, University of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, and Oxford. 264 pages.
* Kipling, Rudyard (1889), The Story of the Gadsbys, Macmillan and Company, London
* Kipling, Rudyard (1895), Under the Deodars, Macmillan and Company, London
* McLaren, Eva Shaw (1920), Elsie Inglis: The Woman with the Torch, Macmillan and Company, New York
* M'Crindle, J.W. (1901), Ancient India: As Described in Classical Literature, Archibald ConstaHble & Company, Westminster
* Murphy, C.W. (1906), A Guide to Naini Tal and Kumaun, Allahbad, United Provinces
* Notes on Wanderings in the Himmala, containing descriptions of some of the grandest scenery of the snowy range, among others of Naini Tal, Agra Akhbaar Press, Agra

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nainital.

Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article "Naini Tal".

* Official website
* Nainital travel guide from Wikivoyage

* v
* t
* e

Cities and towns in Nainital district

Nainital|

* Bajauniyahaldu
* Bhimtal
* Bhowali
* Haldwani
* Kathgodam
* Kaladhungi
* Lalkuan
* Nainital
* Nainital Cantonment
* Ramgarh
* Ramnagar
* Mukteshwar

Villages|

* Gola Range
* Ramnagar Range
* Maldhan Chaur

Cities and towns
in other districts|

* Almora
* Bageshwar
* Chamoli
* Champawat
* Dehradun
* Haridwar
* Pauri Garhwal
* Pithoragarh
* Rudraprayag
* Tehri Garhwal
* Udham Singh Nagar
* Uttarkashi

* v
* t
* e

Kumaon

Division headquarters: Nainital

Main articles|

* B. C. T. Kumaon Engineering College
* HMIS Kumaon
* Kumaon Express
* Kumaon Institute of Information Technology
* Kumaon Kingdom
* Kumaon Railway
* Kumaon Regiment
* Kumaon snowtrout
* Kumaon University
* Kumaoni cuisine
* Kumaoni Holi
* Kumaoni language
* Kumaoni people
* Kumaoni Rajput
* Lakes of Kumaon
* Man-Eaters of Kumaon (movie)

Districts|

* Almora
* Bageshwar
* Champawat
* Nainital
* Pithoragarh
* Udham Singh Nagar

Major cities|

* Haldwani
* Rudrapur
* Kashipur
* Ramnagar
* Pithoragarh
* Nainital
* Almora
* Ranikhet
* Bageshwar
* Champawat

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities of Uttarakhand

Municipal
Corporations|

* Dehradun
* Haldwani
* Haridwar
* Kashipur
* Kotdwar
* Rishikesh
* Roorkee
* Rudrapur
* Srinagar

Municipal
Councils|

* Almora
* Bageshwar
* Bajpur
* Barkot
* Bhowali
* Chamba
* Champawat
* Chiliyanaula
* Chinyalisaur
* Devprayag
* Dharchula
* Didihat
* Doiwala
* Dugadda
* Gadarpur
* Gangolihat
* Gauchar
* Gopeshwar
* Herbertpur
* Jaspur
* Joshimath
* Karnaprayag
* Khatima
* Kichha
* Laksar
* Lohaghat
* Mahua Kheraganj
* Manglaur
* Muni Ki Reti
* Mussoorie
* Nagla
* Nainital
* Narendranagar
* Pauri
* Pithoragarh
* Ramnagar
* Rudraprayag
* Shivalik Nagar
* Sitarganj
* Tanakpur
* Tehri
* Uttarkashi
* Vikasnagar

Nagar
Panchayats|

* Agastmuni
* Badrinath
* Banbasa
* Berinag
* Bhagwanpur
* Bhikiyasain
* Bhimtal
* Chamiyala
* Chaukhutia
* Dhandera
* Dineshpur
* Dwarahat
* Gairsain
* Gaja
* Gangotri
* Garur
* Ghansali
* Gularbhoj
* Imlikhera
* Jhabrera
* Kaladhungi
* Kapkot
* Kedarnath
* Kelakhera
* Kirtinagar
* Lalkuan
* Lalpur
* Lambgaon
* Landhaura
* Mahua Dabra Haripura
* Nanakmatta
* Nandaprayag
* Naugaon
* Padali Gujjar
* Pipalkoti
* Piran Kaliyar
* Pokhari
* Purola
* Rampur
* Satpuli
* Selakui
* Shaktigarh
* Sultanpur
* Sultanpur Adampur
* Swargashram
* Thalisain
* Tharali
* Tilwara
* Ukhimath

Cantonment
Boards|

* Almora Cantonment
* Chakrata
* Clement Town
* Dehradun Cantonment
* Landour
* Lansdowne
* Nainital Cantonment
* Ranikhet
* Roorkee Cantonment

* v
* t
* e

State of Uttarakhand

State capitals: legislative: Dehradun (winter); Bhararisain (summer); judicial: Nainital

Government|

| Symbols|

* Day
* Emblem
* Song
* Motto

|

Executive|

* Governor
* Chief Minister
* Council of Ministers
* Cabinets
* Chief Secretary
* Gazette
* Agencies
* Departments
* Disaster Response Force
* Fire and Emergency Services
* Provincial Armed Constabulary
* Forest Department
* Police Department
* Public Service Commission
* Provincial Civil Service
* Provincial Police Service
* Provincial Forest Service

Legislature|

* Legislative Assembly
* History
* Speaker
* Leader of the Opposition

Judiciary|

* High Court
* Chief Justice
* Judges
* Bar Council
* Lok Adalat
* Lokayukta

History|

| Ancient
kingdoms|

* Uttarakuru kingdom
* Paurava kingdom
* Khasa Janapada kingdom
* Himalaya kingdom
* Parvata kingdom
* Kirata kingdom
* Nanda Empire
* Maurya Empire
* Kushan Empire
* Kuninda Kingdom
* Gupta Empire

|

Medieval
kingdoms|

* Garhwal Kingdom
* Panwar dynasty
* Kumaon Kingdom
* Katyuri dynasty
* Chand dynasty
* Khasa Kingdom
* Raika Kingdom
* Gorkha Kingdom
* Shah dynasty
* Anglo-Nepalese War
* Treaty of Sugauli

Colonial
Uttarakhand|

| Company
rule|

* Ceded and Conquered Provinces
* North-Western Provinces
* Agra Presidency

|

Crown
rule|

* United Provinces of Agra and Oudh
* United Provinces of Agra and Oudh
* United Provinces

Contemporary
Uttarakhand|

* Rampur Tiraha firing
* Bifurcation of Uttar Pradesh

Geography
and
ecology|

| Geological
features|

| Mountains|

* Great Himalayas
* Garhwal Himalayas
* Sivalik Hills
* Mountain peaks
* Bugyals
* Lakes

|

Plains|

* Bhabar
* Terai
* Doab
* Ganges Basin

Ecoregions|

| Highlands|

* Western Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows
* Western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests
* Himalayan subtropical pine forests

|

Lowlands|

* Western Himalayan broadleaf forests
* Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests
* Terai–Duar savanna and grasslands
* Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests

Demographics|

| Ethnic
groups|

| Indo-Aryans|

* Garhwalis
* Kumaonis
* Jaunsaris
* Buksas
* Tharus

|

Tibeto-Burmans|

* Bhotiyas
* Shaukas
* Rajis
* Jads
* Banrawats

Scheduled Castes
and
Scheduled Tribes|

* Scheduled Castes
* Scheduled Tribes

Languages|

| Official|

* Hindi
* Sanskrit

|

Spoken|

| Indo-Aryan|

* Garhwali
* Kumaoni
* Jaunsari
* Bangani
* Buksa
* Tharu

|

Tibeto-Burman|

* Rongpo
* Byangsi
* Chaudangsi
* Darmiya
* Raji
* Rawat
* Jad

Administrative
divisions|

| Urban|

* Districts
* Tehsils
* Urban Local Bodies
* Municipal Corporations

|

Rural|

* Parganas
* Community Development Blocks

Politics|

* Coolie-Begar movement
* Statehood movement
* Chipko movement
* 2016 political crisis
* Elections
* Local elections
* Assembly constituencies
* Former constituencies
* Parliamentary constituencies
* Rajya Sabha members
* Lok Sabha members

Tourism|

| Monuments|

* World Heritage Site
* Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
* Ramsar Wetland
* Asan Barrage
* Monuments of National Importance
* State Protected Monuments
* Temples
* Tourist attractions in Dehradun

|

Chardham
circuit|

* Gangotri
* Yamunotri
* Yamunotri Temple
* Badrinath
* Badrinath Temple
* Kedarnath
* Kedarnath Temple
* Sapta Badri
* Panch Kedar
* Panch Prayag
* Gomukh

National
parks|

* Gangotri
* Govind Pashu Vihar
* Jim Corbett
* Nanda Devi
* Rajaji
* Valley of Flowers

Sports|

* Cricket
* Men's cricket team
* Women's cricket team
* Association football
* Men's football team
* Cricket Stadium
* Olympic Stadium
* Sports College

Other
topics|

* Transport
* Airports
* Char Dham Highway
* Char Dham Railway
* Dehradun–Haridwar–Rishikesh Metro
* Music
* Cuisine
* Kumaoni cuisine
* Economy
* Education
* School Education Board
* Institutes of higher education
* Awards and decorations
* Uttarakhand Ratna
* Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman

Districts|

| Kumaon|

* Almora
* Bageshwar
* Champawat
* Nainital
* Pithoragarh
* Udham Singh Nagar

|

Garhwal|

* Chamoli
* Dehradun
* Haridwar
* Pauri Garhwal
* Rudraprayag
* Tehri Garhwal
* Uttarkashi

Major
cities|

* Dehradun
* Haridwar
* Haldwani
* Roorkee
* Kashipur
* Rudrapur
* Kotdwar
* Rishikesh
* Ramnagar
* Pithoragarh
* Srinagar
* New Tehri
* Nainital
* Mussoorie
* Almora
* Pauri

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* United States
* Israel

Geographic|

* MusicBrainz area

*[Pop.]: Population
*[±%]: Percent change
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template